12 hours ago, GreasyFingers said:

That is very interesting so will copy it and store in my Oz visa file as have never heard of it before.

If you are using an ImmiAccount, after you have uploaded all of the necessary documents, I think (as it is 3 years since last time) , before you hit the apply button there is an option to submit additional information. I have included a letter request for the 3 year period because of my family situation (older siblings) where we might need to return to Oz on short notice.

Yes, I always include cover letters, where I give those additional factors. I state that my wife has absolutely no intention or desire to, settle permanently in Oz, she just wants to continue making regular short visits with me. This is true as she has a better life in Thailand than she would ever have in Oz, furthermore she has made many visits, never had the 8503 condition on any visas, so if she wanted to jump ship and stay she would have done so by now.

11 hours ago, ronnie50 said:

as the OP, let me just add that while you are probably correct that Australia might well be a place to overstay for SE Asians to work because it's closer to home - but as what - Thai or Vietnamese cooks? - you place Australia as some shining light in the world for them to want to emigrate for financial gain. I like Australia and think it's a really nice place to visit. BTAF, You're kidding yourself. All of them would prefer the USA or EU as a target with much greater financial gain than sleepy low poplated Aus. Most would choose Japan or Korea as options - even UK or Canada. My claim stands - your country has a ridiculous number of visa categories - like 30-odd - for everyone - that takes weeks - WTAF for?? Get over your self. Nice place, been there done that. Not going back with my family. Look forward to next year's new year's Sydney Harbour (or Harbor?) Bridge fireworks - on TV.

Your argument just does not make sense and seems an emotional response based on spite. What does population have to do with it? How do you know ALL of them prefer EU or USA? Greater financial gain on what basis? See what I mean? If you apply some metrics you’ll find Australia will score better than USA and most European countries.

7 hours ago, AustinRacing said:

Your argument just does not make sense and seems an emotional response based on spite. What does population have to do with it? How do you know ALL of them prefer EU or USA? Greater financial gain on what basis? See what I mean? If you apply some metrics you’ll find Australia will score better than USA and most European countries.

Hmm. Upon rereading it, yes, it was a rant. And I do agree that Australia has one of the best standards of living in the world. But most Thais that migrate aren't looking for a nice place to live (like so many of us). You asked for metrics.. here is a quick AI from Google. Basically, rant aside, I was trying to point out that Australia, while it is a destination, is not the main on for most Thais.

Top Destinations for Thai Outbound Migration

• Taiwan: One of the primary destinations for Thai labour migrants.

• South Korea: A major destination for both formal and, increasingly, irregular Thai workers (approx. 193,462 in 2024).

• Israel: A key destination for agricultural labor.

• United States: Hosts a significant Thai diaspora, with over 328,000 estimated in 2022.

• Germany: A major European destination, with around 115,000 Thais reported in 2020.

• Malaysia: A major regional destination due to proximity.

• Australia & Japan: Significant destinations for long-term residency and, in Japan's case, employment.

Key Trends in Thai Outbound Migration

• Labor Migration: Formal deployment is focused on labor-intensive sectors in Taiwan, South Korea, and Israel.

• Reasons for Migration: Economic opportunities, higher wages, and in some cases, escaping gendered expectations in rural areas.

Regional and Global Dispersion
Beyond Asia, significant populations of Thai nationals are located in European countries such as Sweden, Norway, France, and the UK, as well as in Canada.

On 2/2/2026 at 2:31 PM, Will27 said:

Like I said, unless it's changed, which I doubt, a set amount has never been required.

Like I said, unless it's changed, which I doubt, it was $4,500AUD required.

It's not compulsory to ruin every thread you post in, but you do a good job.

On 1/29/2026 at 8:36 AM, Michael Hare said:

Hello Ronnie. I am just going through this process to take my wife to NZ in March for five nights and six days. We are going to my 1973 university class reunion in Napier. We appied for my wife under the visitor-partnership category as this was the category she got her visa back in 2027 when we last visited NZ. (That visa was through an agency in Bangkok). We applied on-line on December 16th and just got a reply this morning January 29. The reply was that there was just not enough information to show we had a loving and stable relationship. They said we should now apply under the general visitor visa category (VVG). They did say that they would grant her a three month VVG. I have asked them if we have to apply for the VVG or will they transfer the information across from the details on the partnership visa application. Waiting for their reply. We have booked return tickets and a rental car. I think this will be the last time we bother visiting NZ.

My wife's NZ visitor's visa was approved this morning. The cost was NZ$341. Visa is only valid for three months. They didn't approve the visitor-partnership visa, but just just moved the details I sent across to an ordinary visitor visa.

5 minutes ago, Michael Hare said:

My wife's NZ visitor's visa was approved this morning. The cost was NZ$341. Visa is only valid for three months. They didn't approve the visitor-partnership visa, but just just moved the details I sent across to an ordinary visitor visa.

Good it worked out for you. But, for me, unless I was from Aus/NZ and we wanted to visit family, but I'm not, it's a long drawn out hassle that's not worth the agro. For either place.

On 2/2/2026 at 2:32 PM, grain said:

I'm currently in the process of applying for that frequent visitor visa for my Thai wife. She has made many trips to Australia over the past decade, usually has the 12 month/90 day visa, once she was granted the 3 year/90 day visa. So this time having a shot at the 10 year one, though they make it clear that you may not get 10 years, you may get less. The application fee is $1480 compared to $200 for the 12/90 one. But I reckon it's worth a shot, even if she got 5 years it'll be worth it. One interesting thing is she didn't have to go to BKK to do biometrics because she has done the biometrics previously. Instead we were told to download an app to her phone then scan her PP chip, scan the data page of her PP, and take a photo of her face, and all that gets uploaded auto. This was great for us because we live upcountry 280kms from BKK, so we were saved all that time and expense. Application went in last week, now we're just waiting. We have a few pluses that may make the difference. Wife owns her own home in Thailand, plus she owns 2 large lots of land used for fruit farming. She has a track record of making several trips to Oz (about a dozen) and always returning to Thailand. I own an apartment in Oz, so I'm providing accommodation, plus a have a pretty decent bank balance in Oz (100K AUD). So I think these are important factors they look at.

Update: we put in the application for the 10-year frequent stream visitor visa on Jan 28, and we've been sitting around waiting to hear something for the past 5 weeks. But the notification came today and her visa grant was successful. She was granted the 10-year visitor visa, she cannot enter Australia after March 4, 2036. So that's a fantastic outcome for us. As I said above neither she nor I want to live full time in Oz, but she can make frequent trips with me now, and we can plan ahead. So she can enter Oz at anytime and remain for up to 3 months, but must not spend more than 12 months in Oz in any 24 months period. Anyway, that's the update, hope this info is handy for others.